Alpine A390 and Renault 4 among new reveals at the Paris Motor Show 2024

Alpine A290

The Alpine A290 is a hot hatch for a new generation, combining deliciously retro looks carried over from the old Renault 5 Turbo, with the instantaneous firepower of a pure electric powertrain. The A290 is 60mm wider than the 5 EV it is based on thanks to a chunky body kit and beefed up wheel arches.

But beauty is more than skin deep, because underneath you'll find a unique aluminium front subframe, Brembo brakes from the A110 sports car, improved anti-roll bars and custom made tyres from Michelin. The retro-ness of the outside oozes inside, with retro sports seats and unique infotainment screen designs. You'll also find a flat-bottomed steering wheel with an 'OV' (overtake) button that gives you short bursts of maximum power. You get a choice of two electric motors turning the front wheels, offering either 180PS (132kW) or 220PS (161kW). Prices are set to start from £36,000.

Alpine A390

The Alpine A390_β show car will take pride of place in Paris, previewing a new five-door coupé EV from the sporty French brand. Blending a swoopy roof with chunky flanks and five-door practicality, the A390 will open Alpine up to a new breed of buyer, the types with babies and pushchairs who couldn't squeeze into an A290 even if it was on sale – and the A110? Good luck. 

But the A390 will be up to that challenge while looking good and – we hope – still driving great. Details on the battery and motors have yet to be revealed, but if the A290's specs are anything to go by – it gets a fortified front subframe, brakes from the A110 sports car, and an overtake button all in the name of good fun – then the A390 could be very interesting indeed. Big sales on this one will fund the A110s of the future, which is never a bad thing in our book.

BYD Yangwang U8

BYD will show off its range topping Yangwang U8 in Paris. The company calls it a “hardcore new energy off-road SUV” which “combines all the technologies of the BYD group and can overcome any obstacle in its path.” At over 5,000mm long and 2,000mm wide, the U8 is said to adopt the design language of ‘Time Gate’, a “hallmark of the Yangwang brand.” Although it’s hard not to see a lot of Land Rover Defender in the UK’s boxy shape and narrow glasshouse. 

DS SM Tribute 

Paris will be DS's opportunity to show off its new SM Tribute concept, a car that, unsurprisingly, pays tribute to the old Citroen SM, a Maserati-engined coupé that looked like it had beamed down from space. While the SM is unlikely to make production, its design cues could. Expect new DS models to get the same LED light signatures and – please – those wheel spats.

Dacia Bigster

The Dacia Bigster will mark the firm's entry into the midsize SUV class but, in true Dacia fashion, will cost the price of a car from the class below. Expect the Bigster to get likeable, workman-like looks with distinctive LEDs and squared-off wheel arches clad in the company's brand of recycled plastic. Power is expected to come from the same three – and four-cylinder engines found in the Duster, and a hybrid model is also likely to be available. Inside, you'll get a roomier backseat and bigger boot than in the Duster, making the Bigster to live up to its name by being usefully more practical. There could even be a seven-seat option. 

Expect the Bigster to be the most capable off-roader in Dacia's self-defined "non-expert 4x4 market" for cars without a low-range gearbox. It'll get a four-wheel drive with mode selection for conditions like mud and snow, hill descent, respectable approach, break-over, and departure angles.

2024 John Cooper Works Mini

The 2024 John Cooper Works Mini will be the first to be offered with either a petrol or electric powertrain. The electric model sits on a completely different platform from the petrol and is likely to be offered with a 40kWh battery that will give a range of around 200 miles. Power will come from a motor expected to send more than 200PS (147kW) to the front wheels.

Renault 4

Renault's renaissance with retro continues with the new Renault 4 EV, a little crossover that is based on the equally retro 5 EV. It will trade some of the 5's sharpness for more comfort, and its multi-link rear suspension raises the opportunity for a four-wheel drive model. 

As it is, the 4 is expected to be offered with a choice of three motors driving the front wheels, offering either 95PS (70kW), 123PS (90kW) or 150PS (110kW). Battery packs of 40kWh and 52kWh will give a range of more than 200 miles. On the outside, you can anticipate the ability to specify the 4 in a range of eye-catching colour schemes and wheels, or go simple with white paint and steel wheels. Expect it to start from around £35,000.  

Renault R17

Upstaging the Renault 4 at the company's stand will be a tall order, but if any car can do it, it's the carbon-fibre R17. Drawing inspiration from the old R17, the new car oozes cool from every orifice, its simple lines and gently sculpted panels a refreshing contrast to some of the more try-hard concepts at the show. 

The R17’s feather-light construction means it tips the scales at 1,400kg, which sounds porky until you realise a Mini Cooper Electric is more than 200kg heavier. With a rear-mounted 270PS (199kW) motor, the R17 would likely prove to be a potent A-to-B machine if it ever did make production.